Prince William has spoken of grief and defeating hate with love as he addressed Christchurch’s Muslim community in one of the city’s mosques.

“I’ve had reason myself to reflect on grief, sudden pain and loss in my own life … of course grief can change your outlook … but I do not believe grief changes who you are,” the Duke of Cambridge told about 100 gathered in the Masjid Al Noor, where 42 of the March 15 attack’s victims were killed.

“If you let it, it will reveal who you are. It will reveal depths you did not know you had.

“In a moment of acute pain, you stood up and stood together.”

During the heartfelt speech this morning he called for extremism of all forms to be defeated and praised the compassionate approach the community, country and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had taken in the aftermath of the shootings.

However, organisers have promised Christchurch residents a chance to meet William during a public walkabout this afternoon.

William’s first day in New Zealand began with a tribute to Australian and New Zealand soldiers at an Anzac Day service in Auckland, alongside Ms Ardern, who earlier greeted him with a hongi, a traditional Maori welcome that involves the pressing together of noses.

He also met police and ambulance staff in Christchurch, some of whom were the first on the scene after the shootings.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters William had left staff “overwhelmed” with his messages of support.

Coping with grief

Forget the five stages of grief. Experiencing loss is always hard and everyone handles it in different ways.